Nani determined to fight Ashley Young for Manchester United starting berth

Nani insists he is relishing the competition for places after
Ashley Youngâs arrival at Old Trafford.

Fight: Nani determined to play for his spot in United starting eleven (Getty)

The Portugal winger was Manchester Unitedâs sole wide player for long spells last season before losing his place in the team towards the end of the campaign.

However Nani, who scored the final goal in yesterdayâs 3-1 friendly win over Chicago Fire, made it clear he does not intend to play a supporting role, with Â£16million signing Young, Antonio Valencia , Mame Diouf and Danny Welbeck providing major competition this term.

Nani said: âThe competition is good. It inspires you. If you have competition, you will train harder and push yourself in every game.

âAt Manchester United, you have to be ready every time you go on the field.â

The 24-year-old contributed nine goals and 18 assists towards Unitedâs record-breaking 19th league title last season and expects a stronger challenge from the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea.

He added: âIn every season it is important to start well. All the teams are getting stronger and trying to be much better. We have to match that.â

Meanwhile, goalkeeper David de Gea made his United debut following an £18m move from Atletico Madrid last month.

âHe was impressive,â said boss Sir Alex Ferguson . âHe is always handling shots and saving well. Technically he is very good.

âWhen they scored the first goal I thought he could have come out more but when I looked at it again he had absolutely no chance. Overall, he was great today.â

Ferguson has also backed Mexico striker Javier Hernandez , who joins up with the squad this week, to top his 20-goal effort last season.

He added: âHe is improving technically and now he has had a good season behind him in a tough division. He might do even better this time.â

Hernandez will join up with the United squad for the next leg of their journey to New York, where they will face an MLS All-Stars side containing David Beckham and Thierry Henry at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday.

Fergusonâs men then finish their five-match tour against Barcelona in Washington on Saturday.